Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Damon Bates Obituary
Family-Placed Death Notice
BATES, Damon Damon Labrone Bates Damon Labrone Bates, age 40, of Atlanta passed on Friday, February 17, 2012. The celebration of life service will be held 11:00 A.M., Saturday, February 25, 2012, at Zion Baptist Church, 165 Lemon Street, Marietta, Georgia, with Reverend Dr. Harris T. Travis, Pastor, and Reverend Evelyn Taylor, Officiating. The interment will take place at Mountain View Cemetery, 410 Whitlock Avenue, Marietta, Georgia. An educator and role model, Damon was a paraprofessional of media services at Sandtown Middle School, Fulton County School System, where he was responsible for all digital and audio productions, as well as founder and sponsor of the Super Role Model organization. Damon was also an accomplished hair and fashion model for a number of agencies and enterprises, including Jane Carter Hair Products, Bronner Brothers, Taliah Waajid Black Earth Products, Sally's Beauty Products and various others. His illustrious career included endorsements with Adidas and the GAP. His movie credits include guest appearances in Madea's Family Reunion and Drumline. He was also prominently featured in Ebony, Upscale. GN and Vibe magazines. Survivors include his mother, Mrs. Myrtle Bates-Griffin and Step-Father, Reverend Arlen Griffin of Marietta, Georgia; three daughters, Paris Bankston of Denver, Colorado, Dekoa Craft of Atlanta. Georgia, and Parah Anderson of Manning, South Carolina; step-brother, Christopher Griffin of Marietta, Georgia, and fiancée, Kyra Courthers of Birmingham, Alabama; special cousins, Yvonne McBride of Jonesboro, Georgia, Dorrinda Colson of Atlanta, Georgia, and Richard Bates of Sarasota, Florida; and a host of other family members and friends. In lieu of flowers, if you desire, contributions may be made to Old Zion Baptist Church Historical Museum, 165 Lemon Street, Marietta, Georgia 30060. Public viewing - only - will be held, prior to funeral services, at Zion Baptist Church from 9:30-11:00 A.M. Hanley-Shelton Funeral Directors, Marietta, is in charge of arrangements, 770-428-6333.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Damon Bates
Sponsored by His mom, Myrtle Bates Griffin.
Myrtle Bates Griffin (Mom)
February 17, 2025
Today,February 17, 2025, it has been 13 years since my son, Damon "Giovanni, transitioned to his Father´s Heavenly Home. Not a day goes by that I don´t think about those precious memories that we shared together. He is loved and missed so very much be his family and friends. His legacy will live on forever.
Myrtle Bates Griffin
January 11, 2025
Love and still miss you my son
LBates
January 10, 2025
Thinking of my brother from another mother tonight. I will always remember the wonderful brotherly/sisterly kind of friendship I was blessed to have with this beautiful human. There's so much going on in this crazy world..I'd give anything to see that smile..or have someone asking "are you and Damon related?" again. I'd gladly claim him as my brother ..even in spirit.
D- I miss you, dear friend. I hope someday we can have a good laugh... I hope you weren't looking for Pac We're still down here missing the real onez...... fighting the good fight.. hope 2 c u again someday
Myrtle Griffin
December 25, 2024
Wishing you my son a happy 53 heavenly birthday. Yesterday we let go 4 birthday balloons to you up to heaven. I smile because I know you got them. Love and miss you everyday. You were the biggest joy in my life. Your legacy will live on to many.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Lesia Michelle
December 25, 2024
I miss you dearly. Happy Belated Birthday.
Parah Anderson
December 24, 2024
happy 53rd birthday dad, i love you
Myrtle Bates Griffin
June 5, 2024
To Craig Scarlett: Thank you so much for you kind words concerning My son Damon. He is my forever Angel that watch over me daily. Blessings to you and family.
Craig Scarlett
June 4, 2024
This morning out of nowhere I decided to do a Google search for Damon. Very saddened to hear that he passed so long ago. We went to West Georgia College together...his room being right down the hall from mine. Great guy. Condolences to his family, friends and loved ones. I´m sure he´s in fashion heaven.
Myrtle Bates Griffin
February 17, 2024
A message to you My son, I wish that you could come back and stay for a while. I want to hear your voice and see your smile. I want to hug you tight and never let go. I want to tell you how much I love you so. I know that you are happy and pain free and smiling down from heaven at me. I truly miss you so very much and I will love you forever. Until we see each other again , know that you will forever and always in my heart. Your MOM
Myrtle Bates Griffin
December 24, 2023
Always and forever in my heart.Happy Heavenly Birthday my son 12-24-2023. Momma
Myrtle Bates Griffin (Momma)
December 24, 2023
Today, my son I celebrate your 52nd Birthday December 24, 2023. I have so many awesome memories of your 40 years of life. I will always have you in My heart. You are forever loved and I miss you everyday of my life. Your legacy will never be forgotten. I hold you in my heart forever. Happy Heavenly Birthday my son.
Myrtle Bates Griffin (mom)
December 24, 2022
Lit a candle in memory of my son´s 51st birthday. Love always and forever.
Myrtl Bates Griffin
December 24, 2022
Myrtle Bates Griffin
December 24, 2022
Today Damon is your 51st Birthday. It is still very hard to believe that you went to your Heavenly home on February 17, 2012. God loaned you to me for 40 years and what a blessing you were to me. I think of you every single day and always cherish those wonderful and awesome memories that I have in my mind. The things that you did in your short time here was truly amazing. You enjoyed your life to the fullest. I will always be proud of the man that you became. I will love and miss you everyday until God welcome me home and what a time we will have celebrating. Mom
Myrtle Bates Griffin
November 12, 2022
Missing my son so very much. My life has not been the same since he has been gone. Tears still flow and my heart still hurts. But, I know that he is with his Heavenly Father and that give me some relief. Always and forever in my heart.
Okema Scott
November 11, 2022
I miss you so much
Myrtle Bates Griffin
February 14, 2022
Coming up on the 10th year of my son´s transition is still very hard and painful. It truly does not seemed that long. Damon is loved, missed and thought about every day. Until we meet again my precious memories of him will forever be in my mind and heart.
Myrtle Bates Griffin
February 13, 2021
Next Wednesday, February 17th, will be “9” years, 2012-2021, of the transition of my son, Damon. Never a day goes by that I don’t think about him. Time seems as though it has stood still. I miss him so very much. Tears still flow. I still say that a mom should not out live their child. But I know that God is in control of the timing of things that happen in our life. My heart still aches, broken in so many pieces. Even though he was gone to soon, I do thank God everyday for giving him to me for 40 years. His legacy will be forever.
Trina Delk
December 26, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Love to you Myrtle
Myrtle Bates Griffin
December 24, 2020
Sending my love to my son on his 49th Heavenly birthday. 12-24-71. Not a day go by that I don’t think about him. I have so many awesome memories that we shared. I know that his grandmomma is making his favorite birthday cake and cookies. He will never ever be forgotten. His legacy will live on forever. Love and miss my son so very much. ❤❤ MOM
Myrtle Bates Griffin
December 24, 2020
Myrtle Bates Griffin
May 2, 2020
Thinking about you my son as always. Posting another beautiful picture of you. One of the things you loved to do was modeling. I truly miss you so very much. Not a day goes by that a memory or memories of you don't come to mind. Listening for your jeep to pull up in the driveway with the doors off and the top open . Making you my special hamburgers that you so loved. Showing me your portfolio on your lap top or phone. You always stayed so busy doing your job at Sandtown Middle School, taking care of your personal business and traveling near and far for your modeling, but you were never, ever to busy to come to see me every week when you were in town. I have so many awesome memories of you. Even though my tears still fall, my heart allows me to smile sometimes. Love you always and forever. Your mom. ❤
May 2, 2020
Myrtle Bates Griffin
February 16, 2020
Tomorrow, February 17th will be 8 years of my son ascending to his heavenly home. Wow!!!' It is still so very fresh in my mind. Seems like yesterday. My heart is so very heavy. I truly miss and love him with all of my heart. Still remembering his beautiful head of hair. I use to love smelling his hair. He always kept it so polished and styled to perfection. I will never let his legacy fade away. Damon is and will always be loved by his family. God has an awesome angel watching over me, LOVE YOU MY SON SOOOO much. Your mom. ❤❤❤
Myrtle Bates Griffin
December 23, 2019
Tomorrow, December 24, 2019 would have been your 48th birthday. Damon you have been truly missed by everyone you ever met. You touched so many lives and you truly gave me a reason for living. I pray that the other Angels are singing for joy to have you with them. On your special day, I pray also that all in heaven is celebrating in your honor. I know that your grand momma has your favorite cake for you. Missing and loving you everyday. Happy Heavenly Birthday my SON. Your mom. ❤❤
April Robinson
December 1, 2019
Mrs. Bates, first I must say that words can't begin to express so much. I am thankful that you have this platform for your son, my friend and such a humble light. It is my pleasure to share a day in which he just had fun. In visiting the site over the years, it gives a space for many to stay connected in yet another way regardless of time and his presence is constant. I am still devastated by his passing and will never forget him. Thank you many times over for your acknowledgement and taking a moment to respond. He loves you, his family and friends.
Taneshia Scott-Bennett
November 25, 2019
Mr Bates was a teacher at my school and he was always in a good spirit. He always dressed so nice and all his clothes were so well put together. He kept me out of a lot trouble many times especially when I wanted to fight somebody. I have been looking for a number so that I could call and tell him how my life is going, but all the numbers I had were disconnected. A classmate of mine told me he had passed I couldn't believe it that news broke my heart. I know that he would have been so proud of me and how my life turned out. I am married with three children(two boys and a girl) and we have a baby boy on the way due Feb 1 2020. I hate to have found out that he is no longer here with us. I thought he would of been traveling and living his life. I really want to know what happened, what was the cause of death and I want to hear his voice again. I am so sad right now I cant believe he is gone and no one told me. I've been trying to find him for years and no one told me. He was a huge part of my life and he was always there for me during my parents divorce process, I really took it hard and I thank you so much for everything Mr Bates. Rest in Peace super star.
Myrtle Bates Griffin
September 7, 2019
Not a day goes by that I do not think about my son, Damon. My tears still swell up in my eyes when memories come flooding in my mind. My heart stil hurts so bad. His passing still feels like yesterday. I know my God has him in HIS arms and he is happy and not in pain. The love for my son will always be in my heart. His legacy will be forever. I love and miss you so much. Mom.❤
Myrtle Bates Griffin
March 18, 2019
April Robinson,
Thank you so much for sharing a beautiful picture of you and my son. I am truly blessed that he had such wonderful friends. Thank you also for helping me to keep his memory alive. I pray that he is smiling down on us and sending down his love. His mom, Myrtle
Gone too soon
April Robinson
March 16, 2019
Will always miss you, Gio.
Paris B. - Class of 2019
Lesia Michelle
February 15, 2019
Paris and I love and miss you so much. In just a few months your daughter will graduate high school....May 21st to be exact. You would be so proud of the young lady that she has become. She looks so much like Giovanni. She even has certain characteristics that I know came from you. She's sweet and kind with a old soul. Like you, she can be reserved and soft spoken. Your daughter is beautiful person just like you. As we approach 7th Anniversary of your death, I can't help but to think about you. I will always love you from the bottom of my heart.
Trina Delk
February 14, 2019
Sending you a big HEART to heaven on this Valentine's Day. I'll always remember our fun childhood days in Elizabeth. Never forgotten....Rest in love!
Continued prayers and love to you Myrtle.
Myrtle Bates Griffin
February 11, 2019
Losing an adult child feels like having the entire chapters of your life torn out and shredded. February 17th will be seven years that God took you to heaven. I miss YOU. Every. Single. Day. Damon your light will always shine in my heart. Always loved, Never forgotten, Forever missed. ❤ Your Momma
Myrtle Bates Griffin
December 24, 2018
When you lose someone, Christmas is so very hard, especially when their birthday is Christmas Eve. The memories of past Christmases sometimes takes the joy out of the entire day. But I know with God's Devine help and family, I will make it through. I may even raise a smile between my tears. I thank God for all the Birthdays and Christmases that I did share with my son. Happy 47th Heavenly Birthday my son. Forever in my heart. I love and miss you so very much. Mom 12/24/2018 ❤
Myrtle Bates Griffin
October 11, 2018
I have not wrote anything in months because of so many more of my friends and distant family members has passed. My heart has been so very heavy lately. Butttt.... not a Day has gone by that I do not speak my son's name and tell him that I love and miss him so very much. Thank you to his special friends for writing on his page. Thank you so much for helping me to keep his legacy going. Thanks also to his buddies that still stop by to check on me. My life will never be the same but God did bless me with Damon for 40 years of his amazing and awesome life. Loving him forever and always. Your mom. ❤❤
Forever Friend
October 9, 2018
Hello my friend.
Six years, and the time has really gone by. I've got daughters in the third year of College...And I m imagining that you're daughters are nearing that time as well. I know we just believe we will grow old with our friends and one day share stories of our aging bodies and the days of yesterday years. Talk about our kids and their accomplishments. The expectancy of life. Wow. We never really know the plan. For what ever reasons our paths crossed...and memories as friends was formed. I'm thankful. I send love for your Mother who I see constantly post to keep your memory alive. What an amazing strength she has been. May God keep her in perfect peace. Giovanni...Life is moving on here on earth. But know that you time here just made it a little brighter. I promise to never forget you.
4u4always
Your mom and two of your daughters, Paris and Parah
Myrtle Bates Griffin
December 24, 2017
Happy 46th Heaven Birthday my son. Your contagious smile and your beautiful eyes are two of the things about you that keeps me steadfast. Knowing that you are well pleased being in God's arm but know that I miss you each and every day. You are forever on my mind and in my heart. My days are still sad but I know that you are watching over me and that gives me some joy. Until I see you again, know that when my heart beats, it beats for you also. Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday. I love and miss you soooooooooo very much. Mom. ❤❤❤
Myrtle Bates Griffin
December 24, 2017
Myrtle Bates Griffin
December 24, 2017
Myrtle Bates Griffin
December 24, 2017
Myrtle Bates Griffin
December 24, 2017
Myrtle Bates Griffin
December 24, 2017
Myrtle Bates Griffin
December 24, 2017
Myrtle Bates Griffin
September 2, 2017
Missing my son everyday and praying always that God will fill this emptiness in my heart. I know that he is with his Heavenly Father but my heart wants him here with me. On September 4, 2004 he walked me down the aisle and presented my hand to my husband. I will never forget how handsome Damon looked. I truly believe that the guest was looking at him more than me. What awesome memories that I have. They keep me sane. Praying everyday.
Myrtle Bates Griffin
April 10, 2017
I write on my son's page quite often because it gives my grief a little bit of relief. My pain will never be erase and most of the time I don't want it to. I need to withstand it. Grief deserves acknowledgement, not repair. Grief happens to all of us. We need stories. Some good and some not so good. Damon's lifet to me was awesome. His love ❤ for me was all that a mother could ask for. He done so many things that was on his bucket list. He did what he loved in his 40 short years of life. Best son anyone could ask for. My memories of Damon has kept me grounded. God has his beautiful soul. I still have a loving son who I will love forever and never, ever forget.
His mom, Myrtle
Myrtle Bates Griffin
February 17, 2017
5th Year of my son, Damon, "Giovanni's" transition. Oh how I miss him telling me how much he love me on a dialy basis. Miss his beautiful face, and his smile. My heart aches so much, but I know he is with The Father. I love him with all I have forever and always. ❤
Doing was he loved so much. Modeling
Myrtle Bates Griffin
February 17, 2017
Damon loved modeling
Myrtle Bates Griffin
February 17, 2017
Damon was awesome in this movie. His reactions to situations blew me away
Myrtle Bates Griffin
February 17, 2017
Myrtle Bates Griffin
February 2, 2017
This candle is like the eternal love ❤I have for my son Damon. Everlasting!!!
Myrtle Bates Griffin
February 2, 2017
This month on the 17th will be "5" years that God came to take my son to his heavenly home. It feels like yesterday in my heart. The grief is still so heavy. It is nothing you can compare to losing a child on this earth. I know that God is giving me the strength to endure this pain everyday. Damon's love for me will forever last in my heart and my love ❤ for him I will always cherish. He is gone from this earth to his eternal home and I do know that my Heavenly Father is taking care of him. I will Love Him always and forever. His mom, Myrtle
Lana Bates-Deyoe
January 16, 2017
Damon... It's been almost 5 years and I'm still sad to hear of your passing. You were a best friend.. Like a brother from another mother... Someone I truly cherished. Seeing you five days a week for practically four years was one of the best parts of high school. I hope you are in a glorious place... Your buddy, your "sis"... Miss you, man. "The other Batesy" ~~L.
Beautiful smile and gorgeous eyes
Myrtle Bates Griffin
December 20, 2016
Coming up on my son's 45th birthday, December 24th. Wow, this is still so very, very hard. It is still so fresh in my mind how he really loved this time of the year. We made sure that we celebrated both days in a special way. (His Birthday and Christmas) God has an awesome angel to help Him take care of His little children. Damon loved teaching others and enjoyed his dance classes at the school where he worked. I miss and love him with all of my heart. I know for a fact that he is missed by so many. Love you my son. Happy Heavenly birthday. ❤
Myrtle Bates Griffin
November 21, 2016
Thanksgiving is this Thursday and missing my mom and son hurts so much. My mom would always fix her special dinner for us but she would always fix Damon a very special dinner. Bake chicken, gravy, rice and green beans and homemade rolls. Then top it off with her awesome pound cake. My mom always made enough for him to take home and eat off for 2-3 days. Oh how I truly miss those times. Loving both of them and my other family members in heaven has really been deverstating to my heart. I know that they are still loving me as I love and miss them so much. My son, miss you forever and always. Your mom.
Myrtle Bates Griffin
November 3, 2016
I truly miss my son everyday but when the holidays come it make it even more harder. So many wonderful memories are in my head of how much Damon loved this time of the year. I still have almost all of his Adidas jackets that he would wear doing this cool weather. I can't remember seeing him having the same one on twice. What an awesome Adidas model he was. I miss our talks, texts and most of all our visits. I love you my son with all of my heart ❤. Forever always. Your mom.
Always thinking about my awesome son who I will miss and love forever. ❤
Myrtle Bates Griffin
October 27, 2016
Myrtle Bates Griffin
July 19, 2016
I write on my son's legacy page a lot because it is a permanent page that I purchased. This way I can tell the world how much my son means to me. I write public things here in his memory. I have a journal that I keep to write private things. Damon was a true friend to many but an awesome son to me. A mom,I think, should never out live their children. These past four years has been the hardest ever. I have had to endure many challenges but the hardest is missing my son on this earth. I can handle anything that comes in my path because the journey that I am on, God has kept me. Missing my son is my greatest heartache. I will forever love him and will always keep his memory alive as long as I have breath in my body. Loving and missing you always my son. Your mom.
Trina Delk
June 22, 2016
Letting a candle shine just as you did :)
Myrtle Bates Griffin
June 19, 2016
Happy Heavenly Father's Day to you my son. I pray that your children will never forget you. You know that I won't. I will forever keep your memory alive as long as there is breathe in my body. Missing you is so very hard. My heart breaks everyday knowing that you are not here. Know that I love you and miss you with all that I have.
Your Mom
Myrtle Bates Griffin
June 1, 2016
Loving memories of my son, Damon, is still so alive and fresh in my heart. Missing him more everyday. This is the time of year that he would be traveling for his hair shows and modeling career. The places he went and the things he did I am so proud that he got the chance to do them. Love and miss him so much. Mom
Loving memories
Myrtle Bates Griffin
June 1, 2016
Myrtle Bates Griffin
February 19, 2016
February 17, 2016 was 4 years that Damon has been in God's Heavenly Kingdom. I received so many great memories from my family and friends on Facebook. What an awesome tribute to my son. I released balloons in his memory. Loving him is easy, losing him was so very hard. He will never ever be forgotten. Love you my son. Your mom, Myrtle.
Myrtle Bates Griffin
January 1, 2016
Happy heavenly New year my son. You are my only biological child and I thank God for that honor of being your Mom. Gone much too soon but again thanking Him that He gave me 40 years with you but He needed you back. Loving and missing you everyday. Your mom 1-1-2016
Myrtle Bates Griffin
December 30, 2015
When we are going trough grief, look again in our hearts, and we shall see that in truth we are crying for that which has been our JOY. Love and miss you my son. Mom
So beautiful inside and outward.
Myrtle Bates Griffin
December 23, 2015
Tomorrow, December 24, 2015 will be my son, Damon, 44th Birthday. Oh how I love and miss him soooooooo very much. He will never be forgotten. His memory is so alive in my heart. He was taken from this life much to soon but I know My God never makes a mistake. I just have to trust Him and believe. Love you forever. Your mom
Damon looking his best always
Myrtle Bates Griffin
December 23, 2015
Damon loved his modeling career
Myrtle Bates Griffin
December 23, 2015
Myrtle Bates Griffin
November 22, 2015
The coming Thanksgiving holidays are bringing to mind so many wonderful memories of my son. His grandmother would get so excited in cooking favorite food for Damon. Baked chicken, green beans, rice w/gravy, rolls and her favorite pound cake. She made sure she fixed enough so that he would have left overs for 2-3 days. We would watch football together, eat, nap then repeat this process again. Thank you God for a sound mind to remember awesome memories of my son. I love and miss him everyday of my life. Gone too soon but I know that he is with his Heavenly Father, his grandmother and other family members. Your mom.
Myrtle Bates Griffin
October 8, 2015
When your beautiful heart stop beating, my heart just broke in to. Knowing that here on earth, there will never be another you. Love you my son with all my heart. Miss you so much. Your mom
Myrtle Bates Griffin
October 8, 2015
I have come to realize that nothing in life prepares you for losing someone you Love....NOTHING
I am still a mother to my child in Heaven.
Miss and love you so very much. Your mom
Ebonii Barbour
September 21, 2015
Missing you 'Giovanni' Damon. Wish that you could met your daughter before your passing. I know that you are with us in spirit. Prayers to your mother and family.
Love,
Ebonii & Ariana
4u4always
September 18, 2015
Giovanni,
Sitting in the hospital with a patient of mines, when I decided to walk outside for some air and to stretch my legs.You know in the hospital you meet so many heavy hearts of family members coming to terms with illness and sometimes death. However, the death of a child is one of the hardest. Parents assume that we leave this life before them...not them before us. I thought of your Mom. You being the only child, and how much you shared of your love for her over the years. You would say "if something happen to my Mom", I wouldn't know what to do. Know one could have imagine your sudden departure form soo many. But especially your Mom.My prayers has always been for her peace throughout this time. Thank you Ms. Bates/Griffin for keeping this website up for us to share our thoughts. It helps me as his friend. May God keep your heart! May Peace be with you always!
4u4always
Dani B
August 9, 2015
To my loving dear friend G . There's not a day that goes by That I dont think of you and miss you . We shared so many great memories together . You taught me so much . Your touch your spirit was the sweetest ever . We connected from the very first day we met . It saddens me to my heart knowing That I can never see u again . I didn't even get to say good bye . I love u with everything in me . You the only person I know that rocked Adidas sweats Jeremy Scott sneaks like no other .missing your sweet big bear hugs cruising the city with roof down You brought the shyness out of me . If I can give up anything to bring u back I would . Lord knows j would . I love u . I miss . U ?
Myrtle Bates Griffin
July 27, 2015
My son, I think of you daily and love you with all my heart. After almost 3 1/2 years I was able to watch the last 30 minutes of Tyler Perry's "Madea's Family Reunion". Just to see your face, your smile, your walk, your dance and especially your eyes made me realize how much you are truly, truly missed. I will forever keep your memory alive. Missing you with all my being. Love,you just as much. Your Mom.
Myrtle Bates Griffin
May 14, 2015
This past Mother's Day was the 4th one without my son Damon. He would always give me the most beautiful cards and great unique gifts that I have cherished every day. Life is not the same and never will be but I am blessed that I have forty years of memories and I know that the love I have for him he showed to me. Damon's life will never be forgotten . Love you my son. ❤
Damon and a picture of his daughter Paris. Same style.
Myrtle Bates Griffin
May 14, 2015
Miss my son Damon so much. Love you forever.
Myrtle Bates Griffin
May 14, 2015
Natasha
May 13, 2015
Crazy how we haven't spoken in years but you would always cross my mind and today going through my online portfolio list of great photos I saw I saved one of your modeling photos and went to your profile to find you had passed. It saddened me and brought back a ton of amazing memories. You were an AMAZING person with a BIG heart and beautiful spirit. I have my journal and I will never forget you. Thank you for crossing my path years ago. Goes to show how great spirits leave a mark. Rest in Heaven beautiful one.
Myrtle Bates Griffin
February 17, 2015
My son, your light will forever shine in my heart. You are missed oh so much.
Love you. Your mom
Myrtle Bates Griffin
February 16, 2015
Tomorrow, Feb. 17th will be the 3rd anniversary that God came for my son, Damon and took him to his heavenly home. Not a day has passed that I have not missed him. My heart is still broken but my love for my son will last a lifetime. I miss him so very much. My life will never be the same. I have been through so much but nothing can compare to losing a child. I LOVE YOU MY SON.
4u4 always
February 8, 2015
Giovanni. I remember this time 3 years ago...Feb 18th a day after your passing. I'm watching the home going services of Whitney Houston....crying and sadden. Little did I know that my tears and pain would be multiplied by 10 when I found out later that evening that you had passed. The most shocking and painful news. Talking to u only days before, it was like a dream. Just wanted to come to share my missing you 3 yrs later. Prayers for your Mom...may God keep her peace. To your children...may they always have your memory. love u always!
Myrtle Bates Griffin
December 25, 2014
Merry Christmas to my heavenly son. I miss so much you making sure the real tree is straight and full of lights and balls. Decided not to put up tree this year. You are misses so much. See the smile on your face when you open the gifts I got you is a memory of a life time. Loving you is something I will never forget. Mom
Myrtle Bates Griffin
December 24, 2014
My son, your light will forever shine in my life. I love and miss you. Your mom.
Myrtle Bates Griffin
December 24, 2014
Today is my son's 43rd birthday. I love and miss you so very much. Not a day go by that I don' t think about you. So many wonderful memories are still in my heart and mind. You are the best.
4 u 4 always
December 24, 2014
Happy Birthday my friend. Always thinking of u.
Erica Harrison
August 26, 2014
Thinking about my friend...
4 u 4 always
August 24, 2014
Hello Giovanni
Was watching one of my recorded programs today after work. Well....just before the program started to play...I caught the end of Madea Family Reunion...and there you were...electric slide...lol. Wow, it's still sooo very hard to realize your not being here....that pain of your departure will always be. I will miss u always. Thinking of u!
Myrtle Bates Griffin
August 13, 2014
This morning as I was walking on such a beautiful day in Marietta, I looked up at a gorgeous sky and knew that my son Damon was smiling down on me. My tears still fall in puddles and my heart is still hurting, but I know that my God has my son in his care and I say thank you Lord. So many memories of my son is so very vivid in my mind. He is oh so missed by his family. Every day is a struggle. I has been 2 years and 6 months since God took him to his heavenly home. I can not believe that I am still standing. Again, thank you Lord.I love and miss my son soooooo much. Your mom.
Jenine Lemons
June 23, 2014
Wow, I can't believe this gentle spirit is gone. He was just as beautiful on the inside and outside. His energy was peaceful, determined, and positive.
Heather and the "Girls"
May 15, 2014
The girls and I miss you! My first friend in the Atl...carpooling to and from work, working on my daughter's science project, viewing my house with me....all good times. Didn't get to see you much when I changed jobs, but kept in touch. Gone too soon my brother. Think of you often....the girls do too! Till we meet again!
Myrtle Bates Griffin
May 11, 2014
Hi my son. This candle is to let everyone know that when you were here, you lit up this world with your love and your goodness. Missing you this Mother's Day just like the other two. The way you would celebrate this day with me was awesome. You stepping into Zion with these exotic flowers you found just for me and all eyes were starring at this handsome man. What great memories. Love and miss you so very much. I know you are still sending me those flowers, and your love, everyday and I am sending you my love. Give your grand mommy a kiss for me. Your Mom.
Erica Harrison
May 9, 2014
G, this week has been so difficult for me. You had been on my mind so much over the years, and I searched for you but I couldn't find you. Then just this past Sunday I had this strong need to search for you again. I was expecting to find you so that we could rekindle our friendship. We were going to keep in touch this time and not lose contact. But instead I found your obituary. All those years I searched for you and couldn't find you, but now that you're gone I found your Model Mayhem page, MySpace, and even an old Black Planet page! I've found so many pictures of you and I will cherish them all. You were such a kind, gentle, loving person. Why did you have to leave so soon? There are obviously so many people who love and miss you. It just doesn't seem right. I'm so sad and confused. I'm grateful that your mom is keeping this page open to honor your memory. I feel like I can finally communicate with you and I know you're reading every word. Well, until next time. Love you and miss you. E
Erica Harrison
May 4, 2014
My heart is truly broken right now. Damon had been on my mind for quite some time. We were good friends when I lived in Atlanta. He was such a sweet and gentle giant who loved the chocolate chip cookies I used to bake him. Today I did an internet search for his name and I found out that he had passed. Such a beautiful soul, at peace with the Lord. You are and will always be loved and missed.
4 u 4 always
April 9, 2014
Was by your loft today . As I passed it was still like a dream, and I needed to be awaken and shaken into reality . Even though you don't live there anymore, I always expect to see you in the area. It never failed if I passed that way...you would be flying through in your Black Jeep, and once upon a time...your shiny black Accura...dreads and all...sun roof down:). That's my good memories of you, and they will always be with me. My place of expression will be this platform...your wall of memory...it helps in those sad times. Never forgetting your presence...never letting the memory die. You will never be forgotten...I can't forget, and want forget you Giovanni.
Myrtle Bates Griffin
March 23, 2014
Lighting another candle today in remembrance of my son. Not a day go by that I don't think about and miss this amazing man. My life will never be the same without him. I pray that every mother loves their child just as much as I love mine. God is my help to make it through this sad time of my life. My son Damon will never ever be forgotten. I miss him so much. He is not gone because he was never lost. He is with his Heavenly Father and family. Love you so much. Your mom.
Soquinthia (Quin) Davis
February 18, 2014
I am lost for words. I had no idea he passed. I was just looking at some of his modelingpics when I seen the notice that he passed. My heart hurts for his daughters and his family. My deepest condolences are with you all. May GOD continue to heal your family!
Myrtle Bates Griffin
February 17, 2014
Today, February 17, 2014 is the 2nd year anniversary of my son, Damon, heavenly home going. Oh how I wish I could see that look upon his face when he met Jesus. What an awesome sight! I trust in my Lord because this was his plan. My heart still breaks in a million pieces and my tears still fall on a daily basis but I know where my son is and my love for him, his spirit and memories will get me through until I see him again. To God be the GLORY!!!! Miss and love you sooooooooo much my son. Always and forever in my heart. You mom
Showing 1 - 100 of 218 results
Make a Donation
in Damon Bates's name
Memorial Events
for Damon Bates
Funeral services provided by:
Hanley-Shelton Funeral Directors - Marietta473 Lawrence Street NE P.O. Box 2174, Marietta, GA 30060
How to support Damon's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Damon Bates's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
